Listen to What’s millennial got to do with it? wherever you get your podcasts

Ever feel like you're drowning in a sea of unsolicited advice, or that Google has become your go-to parenting guru? You're not alone. We millennial moms are navigating a world that's vastly different from our own parents'.

On today’s episode I get real about the pressures we face – from climbing the career ladder to living up to the Instagram image of an always-engaged parent. It’s a struggle to balance work and parenting, while also dealing with societal expectations. 

And then there’s playtime. Did you know our grandparents probably wouldn't have batted an eye at kids entertaining themselves? Fast forward to today, and it's almost as if we need a degree in playtime participation!

As a career mama, I'm right where you are – juggling the balls of work, parenting, and that ever-present guilt of not being the 'perfect' playmate for my kids. It's a circus act, and let me tell you, it's not always a smooth performance.

Here's the kicker – playing with our kids definitely has its benefits, like boosting their development and strengthening our bond. But please keep in mind it's also OK to step back. Yes, you heard that right! I would never promote forgoing your sanity to play with your child so make sure to check in with yourself and find that sweet spot that works for you and your family, without burning out. Because at the end of the day, it's the quality of time, not the quantity, that counts.

If you’re curious about how the generational shift in parenting styles has created this playtime predicament, I hope this episode provides you with some insight.

In this episode, we cover: 

• The struggle to balance work and parenting, while also dealing with societal expectations to be deeply involved in children's playtime.

• The generation shift of parenting styles from hands-off to perfect playmate. 

• The importance of uncovering your values to find a parenting approach that aligns with your true self and promotes the goals you have for your children.

• What we’re doing differently to raise kind, loving humans.

Resources & Links:

• See what the CDC says about special playtime with children on the Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers page

• Utah State University weighs in on the importance of playing with your child 

• Go down the Reddit rabbit hole where our generation laments expectation of playing with children compared to the treatment we got

• From the American Academy of Pediatrics: The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds

Connect with Christine:

• Follow on Instagram

• Check out my website

More about Momming as a Millennial podcast: 

Welcome to Momming as a Millennial, the podcast where we dive into the challenges and triumphs of being a millennial mom in today’s dynamic world. Join your host, Christine Giarrizzo, on this candid journey as we navigate the complexities of motherhood, from tackling outdated stereotypes, to embracing our individual parenting styles.

In each episode, we explore the intersection of tradition and modern parenting. We’ll look at unsolicited advice and internet noise, as well as gender roles and expectations handed down by our parents and grandparents, in order to find what resonates with our true, authentic selves.

Tune in for honest conversations, genuine stories, expert insights, and a supportive community that understands the unique circumstance of navigating parenthood as a millennial. Together we’ll rewrite the narrative, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the diverse voices that make up our generation.

Let’s redefine what it means to be a mama in the millennial era.

Be sure to hit subscribe so you never miss the latest episode! Reviews help us reach more rockstar millennial mamas, and are always greatly appreciated.